Brendan Courtney

One of Ireland’s best known and well-loved TV presenters, broadcasters and designers, Brendan Courtney is a hugely engaging MC and an inspirational speaker.  Brendan has hosted countless TV series in Ireland and the UK including his own terrestrial TV talk show.  His unique approach, engaging voice and personal story has made Brendan a much sought-after MC & speaker who inspires awareness and makes an impact for positive change. 

About Brendan 

Brendan Courtney is a  TV & Radio Host, Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur, Author,  Advocate and Speaker specializing in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. 

One of Ireland’s best known and well-loved TV Hosts, his award-winning TV documentaries which tackled inclusive housing, ageism and health have triggered policy reform within the Irish Governments Health Care systems and resulted in his Ministerial appointment to the Department of Health’s executive advisory board.

In 2023 Brendan hosted Ireland’s first forum on Human Rights and Equality., He was invited by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission to front the movement for greater recognition and protection of unpaid carers, he recently addressed the Irish Government asking for a commitment to consider the future for unpaid workers.

A leading and vocal public advocate of the 2015 Marriage Equality Referendum, he consistently leverages his profile to campaign for equality, 

Brendan lives between his homes in London and Dublin, his dog Nancy-Drew is based in Dublin. A Transcendental Meditation practitioner Brendan is also a qualified Animal Flow Instructor.

Why book Brendan 

His professional journey began, as Irelands first openly Gay TV presenter, this, coupled with his personal story has led to him becoming an inspirational advocate for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, (last year he was awarded a first-class honors Masters of Business in Equality Diversity & Inclusion) 

His unique approach, engaging voice and personal story has made Brendan a sought-after TV presenter, speaker and consultant who inspires awareness and creates impact for positive change. 

A serial Entrepreneur Brendan has started 4 businesses: 2 failed and 2 succeeded. His business story is a fascinating roller coaster of how to fail well and succeed better. 

He has co-written two no.1 best-selling books on confidence with his business partner Sonya Lennon, who is also his co-founder of their international women’s wear label Lennon Courtney

TALKS

1. “STICKS & STONES” The New Lexicon of Language’s Landmines

What you can and can’t say anymore! A thought provoking talk that’s fun and insightful.  Encouraging dialogue with understanding to empower and better equip the audience to navigate this new world of ‘appropriate’. 

PAST –  “Sticks and Stones may break my bones but names will never     hurt”  –  Why and how language has changed.

PRESENT – Understanding pronouns, gender neutral language and a practical guide to gender expression and transition policy

FUTURE –  Improving your Employer Brand, stake holder satisfaction.

2. A GUIDE TO PRIDE 

A enlightening and informative talk about  “How to do Pride appropriately!” How to avoid rainbow washing and make sure your organisation is welcoming all LGBTQ+ stakeholders. Also what can you as an individual do to support and enjoy PRIDE?

PAST – The History of PRIDE / Rainbow Flag / The Fight for Equality

   Understanding the history and importance of the event

PRESENT – Who cares and why is PRIDE matters?

It is still illegal to be gay in 64 countries and there are 11 countries where being gay is punishable by death.  Our Islands are beacons of hope and inspiration,

FUTURE –    Next steps to a positive ‘belonging’ Workplace

How you the individual can support your LGBTQ+ colleagues and Celebrating Pride together.

3. ALLYSHIP AND ADVOCACY 

“Allyship is a Verb not a Noun”. This Insightful talk is a practical guide to allyship & advocacy in the workplace, designed to inspire engagement and ownership within the workforce.

PAST – A brief history on the positive impact of allyship. 

Part of being an ally is realizing that we cannot feel how others feel; however, we can listen, we can support, and we can advocate.

PRESENT – A concise and practical guide on ‘How to be an Ally’!

“An ally will engage in activism by standing with an individual or group in a marginalized community”

FUTURE –  What’s next for Allyship? 

“Ally is actually a verb because it is an active process of unlearning and learning”

4. STUCK IN A RUT!   

Confirmation Bias and Cognitive Dissonance  – How to change a mind !

Part 1 – The perils of Confirmation Bias and Cognitive Dissonance explained:

Confirmation bias is a type of cognitive bias (or unconscious way of thinking). It predisposes people to accept information that supports their worldview while discounting information that doesn’t. Cognitive Dissonance is the feeling of discomfort people have when asked to believe two ideas that contradict one another. 

Part 2 –  How does this affect the work place

Practical day to day applications that can be used to find creative solutions

Part 3 –  Getting comfortable with discomfort 

How to create Safe Spaces for  difficult conversations

5. SQUEEZING THE CREATIVE JUICE –

Brendan has started his own businesses  – 4 times!  – 2 failed but 2 succeed!  He has learned to adapt and pivot for success in business.  From being a prominent figure-head during the Marriage Equality Referendum,  to studying fashion at the London College of Fashion in his thirties then launching his globally successful fashion label – Lennon Courtney.  He is a master of creative thinking and will show your team how to unlock their creative power. This talk breaks down a super easy to follow format for creative thinking:

FIND THE FRUIT – How to start the creative process

SQUEEZE THE JUICE – How to harness relevant ideas

ICE THE IDEAS  – Application and follow through

Testimonials

Brendan was a fantastic MC at our Diversity & Inclusion event, effortlessly connecting speakers, themes, and topics from start to finish. He had the right balance of empathy & humour to engage the audience and ensure they were included in the whole experience while also speaking openly about his own journey. Brendan spent a lot of time getting to know our values and our company and this all added to the great success of the event on the day.  

VM WEAR Technologies 

We are proud to have Brendan as a Volvo ambassador, he hosts the Volvo Regatta each year where he brings an air of confidence and trust that is 100% in line with our brand, the audience love his wit, charm and honesty.  

Volvo

Brendan Courtney was outstanding – Brendan engaged not only with each of the teams  receiving the Awards personally – and left every one feeling great- but he also contributed personal stories and was great with the Senior HSE staff who were also in attendance.  We are so pleased he agreed to work  with us on this Event.  Health Service Excellence Awards, 2022

Can you please pass on a huge thank you to Brendan from all of us. He did an excellent job presenting as per usual. We must get him booked in for next year.  IBEC Keepwell Awards, 2022

In 2023, Brendan hosted Ireland’s first forum on Human Rights and Equality., Brendan was invited by the Irish Human Rights and Equality commission to front the movement for greater recognition and protection of unpaid carers, he recently addressed the Irish Government asking for a commitment to consider the future for unpaid workers.

Oct ‘22  Hosted Global Launch of Diageo liqueur Brand’s – 

              Bailey’s B-Corp Certification 

Nov ‘22 Brendan was the keynote at The Global Undergraduate Awards       

The organisers said..  “Brendan was the perfect Keynote for our annual     Global Summit, which hosts top undergraduate students and academics from all disciplines and from all around the world. His story and his vision, and the compelling way he shares it, transcends culture and career background, and clearly captivated our diverse audience, with 100% surveyed reporting that his talk inspired them.”

Feb 23 Host the inaugural National Diversity and Inclusion Awards and has already been booked to host next year!

“Brendan was the ideal fit to host the inaugural National Diversity and Inclusion Awards – the first dedicated event to celebrate progress on Diversity & Inclusion in Ireland.  His masterful MCing skills and warm familiarity – honed by his broadcasting career – was joined by his Masters in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion with personal and candid contributions to give a unique and unbeatable combination that helped to set the perfect tone for the night – both serious and celebratory.  Working with Brendan was very smooth, and we had no hesitation in booking him to host next year’s awards.  We are looking forward to welcoming him to the team again for another successful and memorable event.”  Ciara Corcoran – Events Coordinator, Irish Centre for Diversity

Mar 31 2023  –  Hosted the 14th World Congress on Brain Injury

“Acquired Brain Injury Ireland had the pleasure of working with Brendan Courtney at the 14th World Congress on Brain Injury, at the Convention Centre Dublin in March 2023. As a hugely engaging MC Brendan was the perfect personality to host a panel discussion around four senior clinicians, who when working in the area of brain injury, acquired a brain injury themselves; and currently live in their rehabilitative journeys.  A highly emotional session and experience for both the participants and delegates attending – Brendan’s perfect balance of empathy, passion and humour created a model atmosphere for these senior clinicians, to reflect back on their most traumatic experience, in a most comfortable environment.  Brendan’s ability to identify and connect with his audience – no matter who they are, or what their life experience has been, is both commendable and admirable. I hope we will work together again and would highly recommend him for any event in the future”. Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, Communications Manager 

Apl 23  – Hosted the IBEC Keep-well Awards 

“The event was a huge success and nothing but praise for Brendan from the team here and delegates.

It was a pleasure to work with him!  I’m sure we’ll be working together again in the future”.